DSWD7 steps up social protection campaign across Central Visayas

CEBU CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)-Field Office 7 intensified its social protection campaigns across Central Visayas, executing a massive twin-program rollout that addresses both economic inflation for transport workers and nutritional security for poor families.

As of June 21, 2026, the DSWD7 successfully distributed ₱362.4 million in financial assistance to 72,495 drivers in Central Visayas, while simultaneously preparing to dispatch critical food supplies to over 25,000 households under its flagship anti-hunger initiative.

Under its newly implemented HAPSAY (Harmonized Actions and Processes for Swift, Accountable Yield) framework, DSWD7 completely streamlined its payout process to eliminate unnecessary red tape.

By coordinating in advance with local government units (LGUs), transport network companies, the DICT, and the LTFRB-7, the agency reduced the massive distribution down to a strict two-step process: verification and immediate cash release.

A total of 72,495 public utility and delivery drivers received a flat rate of ₱5,000 in Cash Relief Assistance (CRA) to offset rising operational costs. Breakdown of driver beneficiaries included Tricycle Drivers: 36,575; Motorcycle Taxi Drivers: 16,364; Delivery Service Drivers: 11,647; Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) Drivers: 4,528 and Transport Network Vehicle Service (TNVS) Drivers: 3,381.

To protect the massive influx of drivers from the dangerously high heat indices recorded across the region, DSWD7 partnered with SM Supermalls. Venues at SM Consolacion and SM Seaside City Cebu were provided entirely free of charge, offering air-conditioned, well-ventilated spaces for staggered payouts that spanned from April to June 2026.

"We want to deliver excellent public service, which means making things as straightforward as possible for our clients," said DSWD7 Regional Director Shalaine Marie Lucero, noting that the HAPSAY framework aligns with the Anti-Red Tape Authority’s (ARTA) push for leaner government operations.

Walang Gutom Program targets 25,000 Households

Meanwhile, DSWD7 is also moving forward with its 6th Food Redemption Month (FRM), active from June 15 to July 3, 2026. The program targets 25,537 food-insecure families across 89 participating LGUs in Central Visayas.

Approved beneficiaries will be able to redeem food packages valued at ₱3,000.00 using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at DSWD-accredited retailers. Expected beneficiaries include Cebu with 21,225 households composed of 53 Municipalities & Cities; and Bohol with 4,312 households in 36 Municipalities & Cities.

Lucero bared that there are critical eligibility guidelines with this program.  She clarified that for this specific sixth redemption cycle, only households registered under Listahanan 3 (the National Household Targeting System for Poverty Reduction) are eligible to claim their packages. Redemptions for households registered under the Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS) are temporarily on hold.

Lucero urges beneficiaries to maintain close contact with their local barangays, LGUs, or Community Engagement Coordinators (CECs) to verify specific redemption schedules and retail locations to avoid logistical confusion. (Photos: DSWD7)